Day three of the celebrity-infested Gumball 3000 Rally saw the parade of 102 luxury cars accelerating star-studded glamour in Siem Reap yesterday at the historic Angkor Wat, which is set to create a new Guinness World Record for the maximum number of supercars to assemble in front of a world heritage monument.
Expressing gratitude to the Gumball delegation, Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice- President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia acknowledged the initiative by Maximillion Cooper, Founder and CEO of Gumball 3000 Group at the Business Forum and Banquet in front of the Bayon Temple in Siem Reap on Monday.
“The world’s largest luxury car show” in the heritage area of Angkor Wat marks a new historic opportunity for the Kingdom, Chanthol said, adding, “2024 is also the year to visit Siem Reap, while Cambodia is strengthening relations with key partners through people-to-people exchanges. These initiatives and the Gumball 3000 event underscore Cambodia’s commitment to expanding tourism and cultural relations with global partners and promoting shared experiences.”
Chanthol urged all stakeholders, tour operators, travel agents and the international business community to join hands to seize the opportunity. He called upon them to ensure that every visitor’s experience of Cambodia is made unforgettable and make them return again and again. The tourists and participants of the rally were resplendent in traditional Khmer fashion. They were treated to ancient Khmer art performances in front of the Bayon Temple.
Speaking to the media, Cooper could hardly contain his excitement and described the glamour-fest as a demonstration of Cambodia’s promise to host international events. He described the reception as “fantastic” and the day’s events as superlative.
“Events like this not only draw attention but also position Cambodia on the global stage,” Laoclassics celebrity social media influencer told Khmer Times on Monday. “For me, just hearing the words ‘Angkor Wat’ and ‘Cambodia’ mentioned internationally has a ripple effect, significantly boosting our tourism sector,” he added.
Events like this require substantial infrastructure, from quality roads to hospitality services, ensuring that participating vehicles and attendees can travel efficiently and comfortably, said Jean-Benoit Lasselin, Managing Partner, C4 Adventures. This rally, with its high-profile international participants and media coverage, has drawn global attention to Cambodia’s capability to host large-scale international events.
By attracting high-profile international participants, the rally raises Cambodia’s visibility as a travel destination, potentially drawing future tourists, said Jeremie Clement, General Manager, Peninsula Phnom Penh. “I believe the only immediate economic benefits are noticeable in only some hotels and restaurants due to increased demand, the main impact is in the positive media exposure and promotional opportunities. This global attention can lead to sustained interest and longer-term tourism growth, as the rally helps position Cambodia as a vibrant and attractive destination,” he added.
The rally facilitates cultural exchange between international participants and local residents, enriching both perspectives. In the longer term, the positive media exposure from the event helps boost Cambodia’s image as a fun travel destination. This increased visibility can attract future tourists, leading to sustained economic benefits and continued growth for both local communities and the country as a whole.
(Source: khmertimeskh)